December 18, 2007

Aaah - yes! A couple of weeks ago - I got caught up in all the rush of the commercialized Christmas season! I was so disappointed in myself... I was feeling a little stressed and behind and felt pressure that, in all reality, I was putting on myself! I knew this was true... and yet - I also knew that just a few more days of craziness and it would all be worth it!

I am normally one of 'those' people - the ones who start Christmas shopping in July and finish before Thanksgiving! But - this year was not the norm' and I had not purchased one gift as of December 1st! Not a one!? It was crazy!? I set for myself a personal goal to be completely and totally done with all things Christmas (shopping, wrapping, shipping, crafting, stocking stuffers, cards, letter, etc.!) by December 10th! It is a 'deadline' that I put on myself so I can spend the REST of December enjoying Peace (Snow,) & Quiet!

My Honey kept reminding me that it was not, in fact, a 'deadline' and it would not be the end of the world if I was, in fact, not done... and then it hit me! I did the unthinkable... (Gasp!?) I decided that the last two people we had to buy for would get... delegated! That's right! Delegated... to my loving husband! I have to repent and admit that it was mildly entertaining to see my husband stress out a bit in having to buy just two gifts?! Just two!? Normally I love the entire process of shopping, finding, and all - but I wanted to be DONE... and to meet my deadline! (Er, um - "Goal"!?) I know, I know... it was sort of cheating to just pass it off - but I had peace about it!? LOL!? ...And in the end, he did great! So - we have been officially done with it all for several days now (ALMOST a week, if you must know!) All the craziness of running around and rushing here and there was worth it to now have a bit of peace and quiet!

The thing that the Lord has been speaking to me lately has been the importance of FOCUS! Focus on the task at hand... I think in our culture of multi-tasking frenzies we may have lost the art of finishing one thing at a time... of really being able to focus and concentrate... we are constantly doing five things at once... and we tend to squeeze the Lord in there too... when what He is really desiring from us is focus... not just on Him... although that is never wasted time - but on what He is calling us to do on any given day, in any given hour! I believe He is wanting to lavish gifts upon us this Christmas season, in ways that we can't imagine! Gifts that we have been wanting, and asking for, and hinting at for a very long time! I believe that if we set aside time in the midst of the hustle and bustle, and focus on Him - Worship Him - He will pour out gifts in abundance for the holidays and the New Year to come!

Below is a portion of our Family Christmas letter... I will leave you with that and pray you have a very Merry Christmas, and a blessed and prosperous New Year!

~Karrilee~

Tradition…

Winter is upon us again & as I sit & look out at the blanket of snow that has covered our Valley, I find myself thinking about Traditions. It seems Christmas time, more than at any other, conjures up visions of ritual, tradition, & nostalgia! What comes to mind when you think of Traditions? What kinds of traditions have you kept going in your family & what, if any, have you purposefully put an end to?

I am a planner at heart, & I love it when things go as planned! I find comfort & security in tradition, a sense of knowing what’s ahead. Who doesn’t love that? But then I think about the very Reason we celebrate, & He was not as much about Tradition as He was about Change! Jesus brought with Him the unexpected, the unplanned for, the seemingly impossible made possible! I reflect on all the changes & challenges that we have faced over the past year, & I realize that our Christmas (& Hanukkah) traditions give me a sense of Home, a sense that even as we grow & change, the things that are most important to us, remain the same!

The familiarity of decorations, of the scents & sounds of the holidays all mix together this morning with the falling snow & remind me of the glad tidings, good will, & peace on earth. To be honest, I am more at peace with Tradition than I am with Change! Yet, we know that change is inevitable, & if God is calling us to change, or is bringing about a change within us, we can rest assured that it is for our greater good! The one thing He has been working on in me is my lack of follow through. Even as I write this He revealed that the reason I pull back, or don’t follow through much of the time is because I know that if I do what He is calling me to do, there will be opportunities for change. I suppose I am just not sure that I am ready to move out of this season of life that we are in. I have grown comfortable & feel so blessed… yet I know He is preparing us for more. A new Season is coming!

For the last several years, we have celebrated Hanukkah as well as Christmas. Speaking of Tradition, the main reason we started doing this is because while Jesus Himself did not celebrate his birthday like WE do, He DID, in fact, light the Hanukkah lights & recite the nightly blessings. There is something powerful for us to do the same thing, to say the same things, that Jesus did so long ago… knowing that He IS the Light of the World!

So, as much as I love tradition, I am hoping to be more open to change in the New Year, to hold on to the Good, & get ready for what’s next! We want to do LESS, as I mentioned last year, & BE more… we want to cut back on our gift giving for the sake of giving gifts, & increase our budget to reach out to our community where there is real need. We are blessed, & He takes care of us in amazing ways… we want to be His hands & His feet in this season, & always! The most important Tradition that we can keep going is to continue on in His work… to heal the sick, to raise the dead, to feed & clothe the poor, to set free those who are in bondage, to preach the good news, & proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor! After all, isn’t that what we all want – the Favor of God resting upon us?! Isn’t that what He brought with Him when He became the Word made Flesh and dwelling among us?

2007 has been full of blessings & challenges alike & while all of our Why’s have not been answered, we rest in knowing that we are covered & taken care of… that we are not alone, & that He has plans for us in each day!

We pray He surprises you with gifts this Season... with the unexpected, & unplanned for, and that He will make the seemingly impossible possible for you and yours!

December 14, 2007

Wow?! I can't believe it has been a month already since my last post?! Hmm?! Tis the season, I suppose?! I have been good - just busy! Actually - I feel the Lord told me that I really need to focus on some of my writings more so than adding to them... it's easier for me to write - than to think about editing and organizing... however if I never do that - then, well, it will all simply remian here on the blog and never make it any further! (Which most of the time is fine with me, but it seems it is not exactly fulfilling the Call?!)Anyway - in light of my last post regarding the vision given me regarding Revelation 8, I thought I would simply Copy & Paste this word posted this morning on The Elijah List... I will write personally soon... I promise! Until then, Enjoy!~Karrilee~

December 14, 2007Obii Pax-Harry:"FRESH POWER of SIGHT is Coming Upon the PROPHETS--For Some, their EYES will SHINE BRIGHTLY"

Intro to Obii Pax-Harry's word by Catherine Brown:This is a magnificent and timely word from Obii Pax-Harry! As I read her introduction, I received a vision in which I saw two prophets that represent two "types" of prophets in this new season. One was a prophet who became blinded and as a result, became a wanderer in the wilderness; the other was a prophet who received the power of God's light into their eyes. This person's eyes blazed with holy fire and their mouth became a sword and the Lord spoke "holy judgment and justice" through this prophet's anointed utterance.

The first figure speaks of those prophets who have lost sight of God's mercy and compassion and as a result of this, have become spiritually blind and will experience a wilderness until they repent and are reconciled to God.

The second figure speaks of those prophets who have kept faith through times of affliction, whose hearts and motivations are pure and who are now prepared to carry the fire of God's prophetic edicts, decrees and proclamations of justice and judgments to the end of the earth.I then saw a line of apostles and prophets standing before the Lord Himself; Jesus was handing out the number "7" to the apostles and prophets who stood in line. This indicated the end of a season of complete preparation and a beginning of a fresh commission from the Lord.Catherine Brown Gatekeepers Global MinistriesEmail: admin@gatekeepers.org.uk

Obii Pax-Harry: Intro"When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in Heaven for about half an hour." (Revelation 8:1)

Through a simple yet profound dream I recently had, the Lord spoke words of instruction that I was also mandated to share. The Lord revealed that a season was coming upon the prophetic community like never before. There's "fresh power of sight" coming upon prophets and for some, their eyes will shine brightly. The power of light in their eyes will cause the depths of hell (darkness) to open its dark chambers for repossession of everything the enemy stole from the saints (Isaiah 61:7).

Revelation will increase, and so will strength with which to finish every outstanding battle of the past. The Lord further revealed that the prophetic mantle is entering into the King's court. Governments will call upon prophets as in the days of Joseph and Daniel to solve riddles and enigmas. Christians will receive invitations from governments on every level to participate in nation-building initiatives. The Lord said, "But first you must stop and listen!" He then cautioned, "turn down the noise level."

The DreamA lady was attempting to communicate important instruction (a message) from a foreign nation to me through a dream. Although she spoke words, her words (intangible) came across to me as a "relay baton" (tangible) necessary to finish a race. She was standing in a room full of people; cutting a picture of a busy stock exchange trading floor. She could hardly hear herself because everyone in the room was talking at the top of their voices. It seemed that everyone in the room was trying to speak at the same time. She continued to make frantic efforts to pass on the message she had for me but the noise levels in the room were phenomenal.The lady then tried leaning forward in an attempt to get closer to me, although there would have been at least twenty or so people standing between us. Still trying to communicate the message that would help me finish my race she then said, "Wait a minute," and walked off to find a quieter spot from where she could speak without interruption. She tried standing on her toes to gain height advantage over the people that stood between us but to no avail. She kept trying to adjust her standing position, still intent on passing on the message she had for me.Surprisingly, her focus was on positioning, not in shouting at the top of her voice, over other voices just to be heard. She knew somehow that if she could only stand in the right place, she would be able to pass on the message regardless of the noise. I was poised to receive, but the messenger was finding great difficulty in conveying just the message or instruction I needed to resolve issues. I woke up whilst she was still trying to find a quiet corner or a place from where the "sound" of her voice could travel better.

The Race of LifeThe writer of Hebrews encourages us to run with endurance--the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1). The lady in the dream was trying to pass on instructions, like a baton that would enable me to complete the race I was on and to receive my prize (James 1:12). We are also reminded in Hebrews 12 of a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on. For their sakes and for the advantage of every born-again Christian runner in the race of life that has gained through the sacrifice of Christ's life, the Bible encourages us to, "…lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us...." Noise, in the dream above can be interpreted as weight that is able to cause distraction and delay to our "finishing time."Every race has an end point, and every athlete knows that they are not crowned "unless he competes according to the rules." (1 Timothy 2:5). Every believer in Christ Jesus signs up for the race of life by which we must run in such a way to win the prize set for the race (1 Corinthians 9:24). When God's set time to favor His people comes, those who endured afflictions are like people on a race who made it to the end. The Bible says, "...when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12). Those who love the Lord are those who have not allowed afflictions to shipwreck their faith.

Clear SoundThe Lord then began to speak to me after I woke up from the dream about "noise levels" within the Body of Christ. Noise was coming primarily from ministries all speaking at the same time, some louder than others. Important strategies, keys and principles necessary for the last lap of a relay race that began in the year 2000 for many believers--would be compromised if noise levels were not reduced. The enemy was attacking spiritual communication frequencies in order to distort sound from Heaven that will give us fresh language for the future.I was reminded of Apostle Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 14:7-8, "Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?"

Revelation necessary for completing a seven-year race of life in a year of completion (2007) could be missed in the high volume of noise from the prophetic community. He revealed that January and February 2008 will be overflow months during which saints can expect to take further advantage of extended windows of opportunity to deal with "left over" negative cycles, patterns and sequences in their lives. Also, those who inadvertently limit God's abundant grace by building empires out of ankle-deep rivers of glory will again hunger and thirst after His righteousness….for more! I then linked this dream to another earlier prophetic dream which announced God's heart for His people in the present time.

Angels in PositionThe dream above, I found complimented and confirmed God's heart as revealed through another earlier dream, this time in September 2007. I had a supernatural experience of Heavenly transportation. Suddenly, I was before the Throne of God, watching as I was instructed. "The speed" of the activities which were conducted in the altar area, was as though preparations were being made for a very important occasion. I was captivated by the scenes that followed, and the things the Lord would say to me. Suddenly, "I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Then an angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne." (Revelation 8:2-3). I continued to watch.

The Lord revealed that angels have been positioned on the earth and in Heaven for specific assignments in this season--a season that opens up to what I can only refer to as a "forever time." We are accessing a period in time when saints will no longer suffer from spiritual abortions and miscarriages of purpose--if we would believe. Hope deferred will be a thing of the past because the measure that a believer is able to receive "by faith" from God in this season, that same measure will also be seen in physical manifestations of breakthrough. Change will no longer be talked about, but change will be visible and tangible due to the amount of the light or glory around believers (Isaiah 60:1-3). However, high noise levels could distort hearing and affect vision unless believers are poised--"positioned" to receive downloads from Heaven at this time.

Season of Answered PrayersAs I watched the scene in the Throne room, I inquired of the Lord to know what was happening. He said, "My people have entered a season of answered prayers.""And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand." (Revelation 8:4)

The Lord once more began to speak into my heart concerning the season and times (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11). Past prayers in particular were about to yield bountiful harvests for saints who have not grown weary in "doing good" (Galatians 6:7-9). What many thought were insignificant words, tears shed on prayer altars and groanings of the spirit, were actually all recorded in Heaven "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). Heaven is now busy, preparing to release answers to prayers; answers that would be loud and clear by the quality of change or transformation coming to "children of the faith.""Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightenings, and an earthquake." (Revelation 8:5)

Judgment and JusticeAnother supernatural experience in October 2007 links into the season of answered prayers. As I was praying one early morning, I suddenly became aware of the presence of an angel. The angel introduced himself as the angel in charge of the "wind." He was awaiting a command to release the wind for specific assignments in Nigeria (where I was at the time). He had been dispatched following an earlier prophetic word revealing God's intention to declare war against ancient thrones of iniquity and altars that strengthen them (Psalm 94:20).God revealed He will war with "floods, then wind and fire." The wind will dethrone and then the fire will destroy. This encounter in October confirmed the scene that unfolded in God's Throne room in September 2007 as mentioned above. A time of answered prayer is indeed upon the saints. God will defeat and dethrone evil in nations to deliver people from bondages and to receive the free gift of salvation.

The enemy was therefore using "high noise levels" to frustrate efforts to deliver and receive last bits of instruction that will reposition believers for the future. Important instructions will be released in the days and weeks ahead leading up to December 31, 2007. However, unless noise levels (i.e. too many voices, all speaking at the same time but at different tempos) are reduced, the last lap of an important part of our race of life in a set time could be compromised. The set time being accounted for in Heaven are the years 2000 to 2007. Seven years of afflictions, trials, tribulations, testings and sufferings are about to be rewarded (Psalm 102:13)."Agabus-type" Caretakers of the Universe Emerging

The Lord revealed that the words of prophets will be harvested with great speed in this season (1 Samuel 3:19-20). Many news reports across the world will be recognized as a fulfillment of the word of the Lord in the mouth of His prophets. Angels will deliver justice and judgments released by apostles and prophets upon nations, "So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound" (Revelation 8:6).

A rank and file will emerge in the prophetic from 2008, but not with a hierarchy or perverted "Saul-type" authority. Eldership forums will emerge across the earth not by ministry years, biological years or yardsticks by which many measured in times past. The Lord revealed there will be the emergence of an "Agabus-type" prophetic ministry. They will be recognizable by the weight of revelation entrusted to them and their quality of clear words that they would speak (Acts 11:27-30).

Universal authority will be released to some prophets from 2008 to speak the word of the Lord to every tongue, tribe and nation. Others will enjoy a greater increase of authority to speak the word of the Lord into spheres of influence wider than they have enjoyed in times past. Their words will also cut through culture, generations, race and gender. These ones will mobilize by "sound." The sound of Heaven through prophets will draw their spiritual constituencies to them in the seasons ahead. Networking will no longer be largely after the flesh, but by a knowing of spirit, after the Spirit which produces a holy sound (2 Corinthians 5:17).

"My Saints Are Now in Charge"All prayers of saints recorded "upon the golden altar which was before the throne" will now have voices as they translate into reality; into tangible change in people's lives (Revelation 8:3). The Bible tells us that God performs "the word of His servant, and the counsel of His messengers" (Isaiah 44:26). The Lord revealed that judgment and justice would be seen upon the earth in greater degrees from 2008.

He will perform the word of His servants and the counsel of His messengers. Prayers that were in fact Biblical but did not sound quite right to the natural ears when said, will receive physical manifestations of judgment or justice. Cries of the poor were coming up in the Throne room as I watched--the cries were so loudly heard. These ones who cried in times past, whose cries were recorded, will receive justice whilst perpetrators of evil will be judged (chastised and corrected). Watchmen and intercessors who cried for God's judgment and justice upon lands and peoples will witness great revivals in those nations.

Once more, "visibility, tangibility and substance" are the kind of words I would use to articulate the pictures that followed the words that I heard spoken in the Throne room of God. He was revealing that happenstances on the earth from January 1, 2008 (for some apostles and prophets) but more particularly from March 1, 2008 (for the wider constituency of Spirit-filled believers) will largely be initiated by covenant and not by demonic manipulation. Angels are on standby to perform the counsel of God's messengers (Isaiah 44:26).The Lord was saying literally, "My saints are now in charge" (Daniel 7:22).Amen.

Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.ElijahList Publications310 2nd Ave SE, Albany, OR 97321 www.elijahlist.com email: info@elijahlist.netPhone 1-541-926-3250